An unusual hotel in gorgeous Zanzibar, Tanzania, lets holidaymakers sleep in an underwater room where fish and sea life swim past the windows.
The Manta Resort is a luxurious holiday spot in the east African country perfect for Brits who love the unusual and outlandish.
Zanzibar, which boasts white beaches and hopping bars and clubs has been dubbed the "new Magaluf", but this underwater hotel is unlike other holiday stay.
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The highlight of jaw-dropping The Manta Resort is its one-of-a-kind underwater suite which is anchored in the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean. It features a submerged bedroom surrounded by windows offering an amazing view of fish, coral and sometimes even squid.
The resort's website states: "Anchored in an ocean floor anomaly we call the blue hole, the floating underwater room tops almost anything. Encapsulated within a turquoise blue bubble, watching shoals of reef fish swim by – sometimes in three or four layers of different species, this is a truly heart-stopping, yet awakening, experience. The floating structure, Swedish engineered, provides three levels, above the water clad in local hardwood is a lounge, bathroom below a stargazing, sun tanning bed. Each one worthy of its own story."
There’s also a comfy double bed, 360 degree views, cosy lighting and a sun deck where you can read, sip on cocktails or you can jump into the water that surround the luxury room. Other perks include a stocked bar, lounge deck, and room service.
The resort offers several other types of accommodation if you’re not up for being kept underwater. Spacious villas sit nestled within the lush tropical gardens or perched on the beachfront too. The Manta Resort sits on the northern tip of Pemba Island so it’s secluded and far away from the noise and hubbub of Zanzibar’s bigger neighbourhoods.
The resort offers lots of activities and excursions that will blow holidaymakers away – from snorkelling and scuba diving in the coral reefs to fishing trips, dhow cruises, and island tours. There’s also a spa so you can properly relax while on holiday by booking massages and treatments inspired by traditional African and Asian techniques.
Meanwhile foodies will be spoiled for choice with the on-site restaurants serving up everything from freshly-caught seafood to Tanzanian coffee, not to mention you can book special experiences such as beach picnics and candlelit dinners.
You can also head to the Beach Bar and sip on cocktails blended with "fresh handpicked island mango, lime, lemon, pineapple, and coconuts". Yum! The beaches around the resort are as white as snow, according to Manta Resort, and during high tide there’s plenty of swimming to enjoy. The resort also has an ocean view verandah and a pool deck.
The large pool is an option for holidaymakers who avoid saltwater as it has two tiers and plenty of room for diving. Manta Resort states: "Switch off your noisy, pressurised, electronic world and enter a completely different one – as a sentient human being with simple needs – sunshine, fresh sweet-smelling air, natural food, a pristine comfortable bed and friendly company to care for you and yours.
"All to be found folded into the edge of a primitive forest and set on rising land overlooking the purest, most turquoise waters that ever caught your breath – these waters hide secrets of the most exquisite kind – coral reefs unspoilt – and they are fringed by snow white, delicately soft sand on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world."
Reviews left of Tripadvisor rave about the resort. One woman said: "I cannot say enough wonderful things about this resort. Everyone went above and beyond to make sure my family's stay was memorable. The room was superb, the food fantastic and the resort itself was wonderful. We really appreciated knowing all the extras that go into protecting the beauty of Pemba Island as well. If in doubt, skip Zanzibar entirely and just come here. It is worth every penny."
While another added: "We were looking for a quiet beachside resort to relax between some busy touring and a very long flight home and Manta exceeded every expectation. The food? Amazing! The ocean? Cycling through a million shades of blue! The cabin? Stunning inside with a view to match! The wildlife? Abundant! All that plus daily spa treatments, early morning guided snorkel tours, and regular evening visits by local bush babies. This was the perfect end to our trip."
A stay in the underwater room starts from $1100 (£884) a night per person between two sharing. The resort has a three night stay minimum and you're asked to pay an additional $45 (£36.19) per person per night as an "impact contribution donation" to help the environment and locals on Pemba Island. You can find out more on themantaresort.com.
Nearby Stone Town, in Zanzibar, Tanzania, is a stunning location and the birthplace of rockstar Freddie Mercury. It boasts a lively nightlife with bars, clubs and music venues alongside the daytime attractions of beaches and historical sights. Stone Town’s winding streets show off the city’s multicultural origins with charming buildings in Arab, Persian, Indian, and European styles.
Luxury tour operator Scott Dunn revealed that Tanzania is one of it's "up-and-coming" destinations for 2024 with an 83% rise in bookings among its wealthy clientele. Brits with a lower budget need not worry either as in 2023, Zanzibar was voted one of the best value sunny destinations in the world. Not only can you get pints from as little as £1.06, according to PintPrice, but Hikers Bay says you can get a meal in a cheap restaurant in the city from as little as £3.84.
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